Remember Google Glass? The small, lightweight wearable computer, with a transparent display that brings information into your line of sight, was touted as the future of mobility until it was withdrawn from the market in January 2015.

Worn like a regular pair of glasses, it gave users quick access to information such as notifications, navigation instructions and more. But while early users were excited about the device, there were concerns about privacy sparked by wearing a head mounted camera in public places, and the hefty price tag meant it failed to become a consumer hit. Not only that, but there were questions about the value it could deliver in everyday life which eventually lead to its abandonment.

At the time, Google said it was still committed to working on the future of the product, and whilst some remained sceptical, last month we heard that X, a subsidiary of Google’s parent company Alphabet, has revived the device with a focus on enterprise applications.

Responding to demand from customers, Google has launched the Glass Enterprise Edition, a much-improved version that can be fixed to specially made frames (so safety glasses can be fitted with it, too), with better connectivity and a longer battery life.

Being a lot smaller and often cheaper than other enterprise augmented reality devices such as ‘mixed reality’ enterprise headsets, Google Glass EE offers a more comfortable and practical immersive experience. The factory floor could well be the home Google Glass has always been intended for.

A practical workplace tool

In the few years since Google Glass fell off our radar, the development of new Internet of Things (IoT) and Industry 4.0 technologies have transformed smart production processes to pave the way for a new technological age that’s radically transforming industry and production value chains and business models.

Whether that is AI, machine learning or 3D printing, manufacturing continues to be one of the most technologically advanced industries around the world.

Advanced manufacturing is driving the need for increased connectivity and ever more sophisticated data-gathering and analytics capabilities.

AI is just one technology boosting efficiency in manufacturing

With a new technology ecosystem emerging, Glass may have finally found its home, and last month we heard news that industrial companies, such as General Motors, GE Aviation, Boeing and Volkswagen, have all been using the smart glasses to help workers perform complex manual tasks.

Some of the key benefits highlighted by these companies is that the device can increase the efficiency of technicians, engineers and other workers in field service, maintenance and production line roles.

For example, Glass can show step-by step instructions, help workers to choose the right tools, and photograph, record and report quality problems. The idea being that they can have access to this information in real-time, right in their line of sight.

GE Aviation began trialling Glass at its Cincinnati training facility to aid the repair of its GE90 jet engines and the success of the pilot project has resulted in the technology rolling out into other areas of production.

It now helps to ensure that mechanics attach and tighten bolts correctly as part of the assembly process, with the company reporting efficiency improvements between eight and 11 per cent. Data is able to provide instant quality control and a digital trail of work that has been done on each jet engine.

A glimpse into the future

A report by ABI Research predicted a few years ago that smart glasses are set for significant enterprise growth. So could Glass become a common sight on the manufacturing shop floor in the Industry 4.0 world?

Successful applications such as those mentioned are only going to boost interest and adoption. However, before this can happen, an expanded software ecosystem that can solve real world manufacturing problems such as the need for mobility and efficiency pressures is required.

Google says that it has spent the last two years working closely with a network of more than 30 expert partners to build customised software and business solutions for Glass. These range from software that enhances the capabilities of hands-on workers to logistics management and the analysis of real-time production line data.

The smart factory of the future is one that is capable of delivering shorter product runs, manufacturing more complex products, resulting in quicker deliveries, improved supply chain visibility, and product traceability.

Seamless connectivity with cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions help organisations to drive efficiency by managing diverse operational and financial processes.

It’s clear that Glass has enormous potential to integrate with these business intelligence processes. For example, supply chain managers walking around the plant wearing Glass will be able to get real-time data about different aspects of the supply chain components and processes such as inventory and output per unit.

They will be able to share this information with other managers and suppliers, without the need to use smartphones or emails.

Google Glass could improve supply chains

Enhanced data insight

Modern ERP solutions extend manufacturing leadership and insight using powerful analytics. The opportunity exists for these solutions to analyse real-time data direct from smart wearable devices such as Glass, helping manufacturers to increase their business agility, and enable strategic decision-making.

That’s because Industry 4.0 is all about making the best possible use of big data with advanced analytics and human-machine interfaces. With the right data insight at hand, managers can make better decisions on everything from stock control to supply chain management.

Indeed, every corner of the factory will be affected, and by making more informed decisions today, companies can lay the foundations for the business growth of tomorrow.

Manufacturers should consider new wearable technology as a way of embracing the forces of digital transformation. If correctly deployed, the integration of this technology with existing processes that provide insight into business operations can help drive value from real-time data.

It might just be that in a decade we will look back on Glass, and other similar wearable devices, as turning points in the Industry 4.0 era.

Terri Hiskey is vice president product marketing, manufacturing at Epicor Software.